Burger King Ditches Soda for Kids’ Meals

Taking its cue from McDonald’s and Wendy’s, Burger King recently removed soft drinks as a beverage option in kids’ meals. Pop is still an option on the adult menu, but kids’ meals will include only apple juice, skim milk or chocolate milk.

For the past two years, BK has been feeling the pressure from activist groups and consumers to make the change, with the Center for Science in the Public Interest leading the charge. Margo Wootan, the group’s nutrition policy director, is thrilled about the menu change, according to USA Today.

“It will help children eat better now, as soda is the leading source of calories in children’s diets,” Wootan was quoted as saying.

Rather than play up their health-conscious decision, Burger King didn’t publicize the change, instead incorporating it unannounced. Alex Macedo, president of Burger King North America, said this was because he wanted to give all locations enough time to change their menus.

Consumers and activist groups hope this change will help keep childhood obesity, which has more than doubled in the United States since 1980, at bay.

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